Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Lauren Manges, Junior Montgomery Tompkins Mira Giunta Lucas Pulliam Aaron Vera-Rodriguez Abbigail DiPalma Justin Campos
Lead Presenter's Name
Lauren Manges
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Sathya Gangadharan
Abstract
Effectiveness, reliability, and dust resistance are essential for astronaut tools operating on the lunar surface, where vacuum exposure, temperature extremes, and abrasive regolith present severe design challenges. The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT ATCH Challenge calls for a height-adjustable handle that accommodates the full anthropometric range of suited astronauts while maintaining mechanical durability in dusty conditions. Team Lunarticks presents L.A.T.C.H. (Locking Adjustable Telescoping Cart Handle)—a lightweight, ergonomic, and regolith-resistant device engineered for use during Artemis III surface operations. The handle adjusts between 35–47 inches, enabling astronauts from the 1st to 99th percentile to maneuver the tool cart comfortably and efficiently. A spring-loaded, glove-compatible plunger-lock mechanism allows secure height adjustment with minimal effort, while the telescoping 6061-T6 aluminum structure features dust-catching grooves to funnel regolith off the device during use. To withstand lunar abrasion, Tiolube 460 Dry-Film Lubricant is applied to sliding and threaded surfaces for smooth, low-friction operation in vacuum conditions, while Plasite 7122 coating protects rigid components against oxidation, cold welding, and regolith wear. The L.A.T.C.H. device was stress tested in lunar and terrestrial conditions following the challenge requirements and the lowest F.O.S. was found to be 3.36. Designed and manufactured at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, L.A.T.C.H. emphasizes simplicity, durability, and maintainability, featuring a modular architecture that enables easy disassembly for cleaning during testing and on real lunar missions. Its angular ergonomic handlebars are optimized for EVA gloves to minimize user fatigue and maximize control. By combining environmental resilience, manufacturability, and anthropometric adaptability, L.A.T.C.H. delivers a practical, astronaut-centered solution that satisfies all ATCH Challenge requirements and enhances operational safety and efficiency for future lunar missions.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Human Factors Psychology Commons, Space Habitation and Life Support Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons
NASA Micro-G NExT Adjustable Tool Cart Handle
Effectiveness, reliability, and dust resistance are essential for astronaut tools operating on the lunar surface, where vacuum exposure, temperature extremes, and abrasive regolith present severe design challenges. The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT ATCH Challenge calls for a height-adjustable handle that accommodates the full anthropometric range of suited astronauts while maintaining mechanical durability in dusty conditions. Team Lunarticks presents L.A.T.C.H. (Locking Adjustable Telescoping Cart Handle)—a lightweight, ergonomic, and regolith-resistant device engineered for use during Artemis III surface operations. The handle adjusts between 35–47 inches, enabling astronauts from the 1st to 99th percentile to maneuver the tool cart comfortably and efficiently. A spring-loaded, glove-compatible plunger-lock mechanism allows secure height adjustment with minimal effort, while the telescoping 6061-T6 aluminum structure features dust-catching grooves to funnel regolith off the device during use. To withstand lunar abrasion, Tiolube 460 Dry-Film Lubricant is applied to sliding and threaded surfaces for smooth, low-friction operation in vacuum conditions, while Plasite 7122 coating protects rigid components against oxidation, cold welding, and regolith wear. The L.A.T.C.H. device was stress tested in lunar and terrestrial conditions following the challenge requirements and the lowest F.O.S. was found to be 3.36. Designed and manufactured at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, L.A.T.C.H. emphasizes simplicity, durability, and maintainability, featuring a modular architecture that enables easy disassembly for cleaning during testing and on real lunar missions. Its angular ergonomic handlebars are optimized for EVA gloves to minimize user fatigue and maximize control. By combining environmental resilience, manufacturability, and anthropometric adaptability, L.A.T.C.H. delivers a practical, astronaut-centered solution that satisfies all ATCH Challenge requirements and enhances operational safety and efficiency for future lunar missions.